The Great Lakes, NEW SOUTH WALES
Airing Date: Sep 6th, 2004
The Great Lakes of New South Wales consist of Myall, Wallis and Smiths Lakes. The total area is four and a half times the size of Sydney Harbour, and equals more than 1300 square kilometres of water.
The area has 145 km of uncrowded surfing beaches, magnificent blue lakes for sailing, winding rivers as well national parks and seven State Forests where you can enjoy long bush walks. The area also has a thriving fishing and oyster economy as well.
Free Spirit Cruises is a great way to sit back and enjoy the Great Lakes. They offer a great value lunch cruise including a two course lunch and courtesy pickup.
The two and a half hour cruise takes you around Wallis Lake and past the local oyster beds, Green Point, Pelican Island and Coomba Park. Pelicans, dolphins and sea eagles are frequently sighted along the way. This cruise departs most days at 11.30am all year round.
Barclays is the largest oyster farm in the southern hemisphere and is run by Graham Barclay. Unique to the east coast of Australia, the Sydney rock oyster grows in the temperate estuary waters of NSW and takes about four years to grow. Around two million oysters are produced from Wallis Lake each year, and you can sample a few of them at Barclays.
Back on land, head up to Forster, sandwiched between the beach and river. There's plenty to explore, but if you feel like something different, grab a helmet and join MAD Trike Bikes for a tour of the area. They can take you to Boomerang Beach, just 20 minutes south of Forster.
The Lakeside Caf and boatshed is a great place to stop for coffee, and it's right on the edge of Wallis Lake. From here you can go windsurfing or kayaking. It's also a great spot for kids because the water is only around a metre deep.
From Forster, continue driving across the bridge and you'll find yourself in Tuncurry. At the Tuncurry Bowling Club they have free bowling lessons, which is a great way to meet new people and pick up some handy tips.
The facts
Free Spirit Cruises cost $33 for adults and $15 for children including lunch.
Free Spirit Cruises
Tel: 02 6559 2899
MAD Trike Tours will take you anywhere at $12 for 15 minutes.
MAD Trike Tours
Tel: 02 6552 9370
Accommodation is available at the Sails Luxury Apartments in Forster. Prices start from $125 for two people per night.
Sails Luxury Apartments
Tel: 02 6555 3700
For more information on the north coast visit:
Tourism New South Wales
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 06/09/04
